Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Doubt" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "doubt", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
疑う
うたがう (utagau)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
疑問
ぎもん (gimon)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "doubt" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 疑う and 疑問.
In Japanese, 疑う (うたがう (utagau)) is typically associated with "to doubt; to distrust; to suspect; to question" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to doubting the truth, suspecting someone's honesty/crime, or questioning a situation. Often used as 目を疑う or 疑いを持つ. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To suspect! "Haruka-san, are you doubting my love?" ...っ! I-It's not that I doubt you... but you look so handsome today that I'm worried other women will steal you! B-Baka! Just look only at me!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『うたがう（疑う）！『ハルカさん、僕の愛を疑っているんですか？』って…っ！疑ってないわよ！ただ、今日のあんたが妙に格好いいから、他の女に奪われないか心配なだけでしょ！バカ！私だけを見つめなさい！』.
On the other hand, 疑問 (ぎもん (gimon)) maps to "doubt; question; problem" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a doubt, question, or problem in mind. Often used as 疑問を抱く. A literal translation of "doubt" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "疑う"
どんなに魅力的な投資話であっても、リスクがないと謳うものは、まず詐欺ではないかと_______姿勢が重要です。
No matter how attractive the investment story is, it is important to have an attitude to suspect if it is a fraud first when it claims to have no risk.
Bilingual Context for "疑問"
彼の説明にはいくつか矛盾があり、多くの人が_______を抱きました。
There were several contradictions in his explanation, and many people harbored doubts.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "どんなに魅力的な投資話であっても、リスクがないと謳うものは、まず詐欺ではないかと_______姿勢が重要です。" (Meaning: "No matter how attractive the investment story is, it is important to have an attitude to suspect if it is a fraud first when it claims to have no risk.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "疑う" fits here because it means "to doubt; to distrust; to suspect; to question" in the context of: "No matter how attractive the investment story is, it is important to have an attitude to suspect if it is a fraud first when it claims to have no risk.". "疑問" represents "doubt; question; problem".